Thread: Newcomer Here....

I do have a after shave balm from Gillette! Is mentioning this brand here a sin??

The only issue for me is that I don't have any fixed budget! So cant decide on how much to spend. Don't wanna spend a bomb and end up ruining the blades. Also don't want a cheapo one! Something that is down the middle. The soaps, stops and brush are something $75 alone. So am thinking of which razor to get.

Brush:
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=240&page=1

Soap:
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=117&page=1

Strop:
http://www.amazon.com/Leather-Canvas...=leather+strop

Razor:
I am leaning towards this:
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=132&page=1


Is it a good choice? Do you guys think that $80 is too much as well? Or can i get something cheaper so that self-inflicted damage is not that painful?


Question is: Do i need a strop paste or powder?

Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

Ok. Its just that i don't know much of it. I only knew i need a brush, cream and a razor. But after reading, got confused a bit.

So what should be my shopping list?

Razor, Brush, Soap and a Strop?

Correct.

You can get all that new from many vendors already mentioned. The exact blade width and grind doesn't matter much. I'd recommend a round point (rather than square), but others will disagree. The important thing is that the razor be _sharp_ when it arrives.

Stropping will keep the blade sharp for months. When it gets dull, you have two ways to go:

1. Send it out for honing;

2. Get a hone, or hones, or pasted strop, and sharpen it yourself. There's a learning curve . . .

That's in the future. First, you should learn to shave.

. Charles

PS -- if you are willing to use a vintage blade, try Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment for some "newbie-friendly" pricing.

Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

I do have a after shave balm from Gillette! Is mentioning this brand here a sin??

No that's great. But get an alum block as well

^^Ok. Cool!

Could you please tell me the Strop i selected is a good one? I have no problems spending strops, because after all its a long term investment.

Cool! Thanks for the link. I think i will order it I am going for the 3 inch Red Latigo! Yeah baby!

Full hollow it is then. Hey aren't you the owner of site?

Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

Full hollow it is then. Hey aren't you the owner of site?

Dr. Lynn likes to keep his finger on the pulse.

I use that, Nivea, or whatever post shave balm my wife has a coupon for.........seriously.

Oh, don't forget a mug to mix up your lather in. A ceramic/pottery/etc mug, not the one with the skin on it. ;-)

Originally Posted by hellstorm2004

I do have a after shave balm from Gillette! Is mentioning this brand here a sin??

I don't normally use after shave. I wash my face with water and just put on a moisturizer. That's it. My skin has been fine for years.

I got myself a bowl of Edwin Jagger Contemporary Chrome Plated Shaving Soap Bowl from Amazon. Fully making use of the one day shipping free for Discover card promo!